Driver who killed mate avoids prison

by r33irby

Ross Irby
Reporter
Reporter Ross Irby has wander-lust mixed with a sense of adventure, spending way too many years roaming about Australia, its back roads and off-shore foreign lands.
Enjoys a yarn, story telling and tales, along with curiosity to find out about the lives and (mis)adventures of others.
An off-beat sense of humour, not taking it all too seriously, along with big doses of flexibility/adaptability whatever the situation is the best way to go.
You have to have the life experiences to have empathy...

A FUN weekend camping trip to Cape Palmerston National Park by a group of Mackay friends ended tragically when Zach Roberts was killed after being thrown from the back of a ute when it rolled.

His death affected the lives of his many friends, his family and that of the driver - his best friend Lloyd Slater.

Lloyd Graham Slater, 19, pleaded guilty in the District Court in Mackay to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing the death of Zachary Roberts on the morning of December 15, 2012.

Judge Kiernan Dorney QC sentenced Slater to 18 months jail but suspended the total sentence for two years. Judge Dorney said it was a rare case and one where leniency should be extended to the accused.

"Zach went willingly into the tray (of the ute) and was warned of its dangers. They do loom as factors," he said.

"The victim impact statements speak as one voice - everyone speaks of great hope for you."

Brendan Manttan for the Crown, said a group of friends travelled to the national park south of Mackay, including Slater and Mr Roberts.

About 5.15am on December 15, three vehicles set off in convoy along a wide expanse of beach. Mr Roberts had climbed into the rear of the ute driven by Slater, despite a friend warning him this was not safe.

Slater lost control in the sand while overtaking one of the vehicles, and the ute rolled several times. Mr Roberts was thrown from the rear tray and suffered fatal injuries. Mr Slater, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was also thrown out and injured.

Mr Manttan placed victim impact statements before the court saying Cameron Roberts, the father of Zach, described Slater as "being like one of his own children".